An Indian dance group has been awarded £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Saffron Arts was set up in October 2009 by six young dancers from Croydon. They run dance classes and performed at this year’s Croydon Mela, part of the summer festival.

Pamela Premavrithan, one of the co-founders, said: “This money will make such a difference, it's just fantastic. The main aim of the project is to provide dance related activities and workshops for young people and individuals. This money will really help us to reach a wider audience, and help in creating a real sense of community cohesion through dance.

“All six of the Saffron Arts Executive Team are Croydon born and bred, so we all know how fantastically diverse it is. We just wanted to do something to bring out a greater understanding of South Asian culture.”

Students from the dance class will be performing for the Soorya India Festival, at Croydon's Fairfield Halls on Sunday November 28.

To get tickets call the box office on 0208 688 9291.